The weather was ideal – a mix of sun and cloud, with a breeze from the south-east to keep us cool. The outing was originally chosen with older club members in mind but the presence of Natassia Leggatt as a temporary member gave the party a sixty year age spread. With birth years ranging from 1939 to 2000, there was a lot of world history there!

At Bergplaas we reduced the number of cars to two, driving from there up to the 700m ridge through fynbos and pine plantations with ever-widening views.

The route to the summit led up a rather overgrown path through beautiful fynbos at its spring best. It seems clear that few parties come up here so one wonders what keeps the path open. It was steep and slippery in places – and certainly a good deal more open by the time we had come down again, mainly on our big ends!

We spent about 90 minutes reaching the summit where we had magnificent 360° views, stretching to the Swartberg and Kammanassie to the north and a coastal view which included both Knysna and Mossel Bay.

Closer at hand the proteas, mimetes and ericas were on beautiful display.